Resource management system for a broadband multipoint bridge

The use of a bridge (also known as a multipoint central unit) to enable multipoint communications over point to point narrowband-ISDN connections is well established. We deal with multipoint bridging for a broadband network environment. We explain the benefits of employing a bridge in that context and highlight the new design problems and challenges. Of particular importance is the need for a bridge resource management system which can be used in conjunction with end to end contracts for quality of service. We describe a model for managing bridge resources based on the estimated requirements of audio and video processing functions. Aspects of the initial system design are presented.